Albi

Albi provides a journey through Levantine cooking as seen through the lens of Modern techniques and Mid-Atlantic ingredients from chef/owner Michael Rafidi. The word "albi" is Arabic for my heart.   Closest Metro is Navy Yard.

Zest Bistro

This neighborhood American bistro "with a twist" is the creation of Capitol Hill resident Amanda Briggs. Amanda and her husband had long dreamed of creating a hip, warm and welcoming space in the neighborhood that caters to the diversity of Hill professionals while remaining friendly and accessible to families. Add great food and exceptional service to the equation and Zest Bistro fills a niche for creative American food on the Hill. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Cava

Cava is Greek mezze/wine bar/martini lounge that brings a little more upscale eating experience to Barracks Row.  Replacing the former Marty’s restaurant, prepare to indulge in unique Greek-inspired dishes served mezze style—in small plates, but with portions large enough to share. Cava’s mezze-style dining inspires conversation and laughter at the table. The dim candle-lighting and black and white family photos adorning Cava’s charming brick interior walls creates a dark and mysterious atmosphere that appears far from casual to the local patrons of Barracks Row. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Giakomis

Last date I was here: 05/23/2011

Restaurant: Giakomis

Location: Heraklion - Crete, Greece

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This family tavern is hidden on one of the busy side streets within the central market area of Heraklion, Crete. Keith researched and read that this restaurant was one of the best among locals and served both Greek and Cretan cuisines. So we gave it a shot and it was pretty decent. With a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, we sat outside along the main sidewalk drag. After taking our order, we saw the chef pick the fresh lamb meat from his meat counter and immediately pound away and add lemon juice before placing on the grill. Keith immediately exclaimed, "Do you see how fresh that is? This is going to be good!" The dish I wanted to try (chick peas) was not available, but the server was quick to recommend an alternative (butter beans) and so I agreed. I had never had them before and with the tomato stew preparation, they were pretty hearty and filling. I was very satisfied for lunch and this was a perfect stop before continuing with our exploration of the day.

What I ate:

Greek Salad

tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, in olive oil and vinegar dressing topped with Feta cheese

Butter Beans

stewed with tomatoes and onions

Plus Keith ate:

Lambchops

Bar Americain

Last date I was here: 04/01/2011

Restaurant: Bar Americain(http://www.baramericain.com/)

Location: NYC – 52nd St

Total Rating: 4.7
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience:5, Accessibility: 3


Summary: An American brasserie, Bar Americain celebrates the foods of America with a healthy dose of the bold flavors Bobby Flay is most known for. The 200-seat restaurant, designed by Rockwell Group, features traditional brasserie elements while mixing "Hollywood" banquettes in the dining room. Bar Americain's mezzanine provides an ideal vantage point for people watching with a slight respite from the bustle of the main floor below.

Oct 2006: Bobby Flay is one of our favorite chefs, so on a trip to New York City we decided we had to eat at one of his restaurants. Bar Americain was larger than expected with two levels and a huge raw bar. The experience was very nice with beautiful presentations, although I found my smoked chicken entrée to be a little too smokey for my tastes. The service was lovely and we anxiously await to try another of Flay’s spots.

UPDATE: Five years later, I finally returned with a wonderful group of ladies as one of our highlights during our NYC bridal weekend trip. Our server, Jake, was very attentive and provided great service all night. We munched on the warm variety of breads as we perused the menu. Between the seven of us, we ordered 3 appetizers, 3 sides, and 3 desserts (plus each had their own entree) which was more than enough food. We covered all the major categories: my grandmother had the porterhouse lamb chops, my mother and one aunt had the steak, my cousin had the cioppino seafood stew, my dear friend had the skate fish, while my other aunt and myself had the vegetarian crepes. The flavors were crisp and bright just as I remembered. Each spice used complimented each dish perfectly, rather than overwhelmed it. The ingredients were very fresh and overall we had an amazing meal. Unfortunately, Bobby was not there that evening, yet his touches were prominently felt throughout the restaurant. We would have thanked him personally for such a special experience.

What I ate:

Shellfish Cocktail Tasting

Tasting of shrimp tomatillo, crab-coconut, and lobster-avocado

Smoked Chicken

With hatch green chile spoonbread and black pepper vinegar sauce

Crepes

with butternut squash, ricotta, wild mushrooms and brown butter sauce

Cauliflower Gratin

Red Velvet Brownie Sundae

with cream cheese ice cream and walnuts

Chocolate Cream Pie

Lemon Butter Crepes

with tangerines

Co Co Sala

Last date I was here: 1/21/2011

Restaurant: Co Co Sala (http://www.cocosala.com/)

Location: Gallery Place

Total Rating: 3.2
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This chocolate lounge and boutique located near Gallery

Place features menu items from day to night centered around a chocolate theme. Specializing in espresso and chocolate-based drinks, artisanal chocolates, and exquisite pastries, patrons can also satisfy cravings of the salty and savory variety with trio dishes incorporating chocolate and coffee in surprisingly unique mediums. Dramatic wave walls emulate flowing chocolate while defining intimate seating areas. Elegant displays enhance the intricate details of the jewel-like chocolates being showcased. Two glimmering bars serve as the backdrop for the sumptuous pastries within and at night transform into a provocative atmosphere where tantalizing cocktails are served. Closest Metro is Gallery Place-Chinatown.

It is Restaurant Week again in DC and Co Co Sala was our first stop for the year. This chocolate boutique always intrigued me and I was really curious to see what items were offered on the prix fixe menu. Surprisingly, they only offered the RW menu which seemed a little forceful, but I suppose those who just wanted a cocktail would be served at the bar. Our server was very nice and attentive, yet the ambience was very crowded and dark, I could barely see what was being served. I ordered the featured cocktail of the evening, which tasted like a chocolate covered strawberry daquiri - very good, but too sweet to have more than one. We were also served an amuse drink of a hot cocoa sip. The food was served in smaller "bites" portions, which left us skeptical if the set price was worth it. Overall the food was good, and the concept is interesting incorporating chocolate flavors in some way via a sauce or dusting. However, the restaurant itself is over hyped and overpriced. It would be a fun place for a party, but I would not come back for a regular dinner.  Make easy reservations to Co Co Sala on CityEats.

What I ate:

Manchengo and Baby Arugula Salad

caramelized walnuts, dates, apples & oranges, coffee vinaigrette

Crispy Creole Crabcake

mango salsa, chipotle chocolate tomato glaze, avocado cilantro emulsion

Bacon Mac & Cheese

orechiette pasta, four cheeses, crispy applewood smoked bacon

Chocolate Onyx

dark chocolate mousse, vanilla crème brulee, salted caramel, crispy chocolate pearls,

brownie, chocolate sorbet, 72% cacao bon bon

Plus Keith ate:

Tomato and Burrata Salad

creamy burrata cheese, with basil and oregeno, balsamic reduction

Portobello Flatbread

portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, roasted peppers, kalamata olives, fig marmalade

Lamb Slider

curry & coconut organic lamb, baby corn, lime yogurt crème

A Sticky Situation

warm sticky toffee pudding cake, brown butter toffee sauce, ginger caramel ice cream

Marseille Restaurant

Last date I was here: 12/26/2009

Restaurant: Marseille Restaurant (http://www.marseillenyc.com/)

Location: NYC - Theater District/Times Square

Total Rating: 3.9

Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Marseille is a casual Southern French restaurant with Mediterranean influences. Inspired by its namesake French port city, a cultural melting pot that is France's gateway to the Mediterranean. Marseille, the restaurant, has been a proud and integral landmark of the thriving Hell's Kitchen neighborhood since 2001. Chef Andy D'Amico, also of the Upper West Side smash hit eatery Nice Matin, creates exciting, flavorful, and authentic cuisine celebrating Marseille's mix of French, Italian, Greek, and North African influences. Popular yet unique dishes such as Bouillabaisse, savory tagines, perfect steak frites, gourmet "five-napkin" burgers, succulent shortribs, fresh pastas, and a wide variety of tasty hors d'oeuvres are served in the dining room's. Closest Metro is A,C,E,B,D,F,N,R to 42nd Street.

We were in New York visiting family for the holidays and went into the city to see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMA. It was pouring rain and went to Marseille for dinner. It was a nice cozy relief from the weather outside. Our server was very friendly and informative, even suggesting a nice bottle of wine for us to share. the food was fresh, delicious, satisfying and plentiful. The tastes were definitely influenced by the unique spices and flavors of North African mixed with classical French cuisines. Not sure if it was because of the holidays, but the extra blinking lights decorating the inside of the restaurant were a little cheesy glitz for my tastes. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and would suggest this place to anyone in the area looking for a casual place to grab a hearty meal.

What I ate:

Beets and Ricotta

Seafood Couscous
monkfish, scallops, shrimps & mussels in a saffron tomato broth with leeks & potatoes served over fresh couscous

Plus Keith ate:

Petite Soupe de Bouillabaisse
monkfish, shrimps & mussels, leeks, croutons
potatoes, tomatoes, rouille, gruyere

Moroccan Lamb
braised swiss chard, preserved lemon,
green olives, pistachios & spicy aioli